Republicans Seek Spending Compromise

Some Republicans want to see extreme cuts in government spending to put a significant dent in the budget deficit. But House Republicans are working on a compromise plan of moderate cuts to gain support from the Democratic-controlled Senate and the White House, The Hill reports.

Under the two-step plan of House GOP leaders, Republicans are likely to propose a bill on the floor that would implement much less severe cuts to the budget for 2011 than many Republicans have sought.

To satisfy those who want steeper reductions, Republican leaders would let the House consider amendments entailing bigger budget cuts, a House GOP aide tells The Hill.

That would advance a bill that could attract Democratic support, while also giving Republicans a chance to push more spending cuts through the amendment process.